Residence as the registered or stable partner of a Spanish citizen

Registered partner

If your partnership is registered in a public register of a member state of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you are treated like a spouse. In Spain, regional registers of couples count; but the Balearic register requires Balearic civil status, which often rules it out for international couples. See registered partnerships in Mallorca.

Stable partner, duly proved

Without registration, the partner of a Spaniard can apply by proving a stable relationship with at least twelve months of continuous cohabitation, in Spain or abroad, or with a child in common, in which case no minimum period applies.

How cohabitation is proved

With a padrón certificate showing both at the same address, a lease or deed in both names, utility bills, joint bank accounts, and documents from the previous country of residence. The evidence should cover the whole period, not just the last weeks.

Where and how to apply

In Mallorca, the application is filed with the immigration office in Palma if both are in Spain, or as a visa at the consulate if the partner is abroad. The authorisation lasts five years and allows work. See our service and the documents.

Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.